How to Get an ADHD Assessment in the UK
It can be difficult to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. Waiting lists can be long and sometimes people are diagnosed with a other condition that may explain their issues better, such as anxiety or depression.
Your GP should be attentive to your concerns and be able to understand the reasons you think you be suffering from ADHD. They should then refer you for an NHS assessment.
1. Check with your GP
In England and Wales in England and Wales, you can get an ADHD assessment through the NHS. If medication is suggested for you, you might be able to get it. You'll have to see your GP and explain why you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD and what impact it is having on your life. Your GP will take this very seriously and will ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire or screening tool before referring you a specialist to conduct an assessment. For adults, it is especially important to create an outline of the specific ADHD characteristics and symptoms you experience in your day-to-day life, and be ready to give examples when you are asked.
Your psychiatrist will assist you in determining whether or not you have ADHD, and they will employ a variety of methods and tools, including symptom checklists, behaviour rating scales, and interviewing you, your family members and other people who know you well. They will consider the information they gather and then write an assessment report. Then, they will share their recommendation with you, which could be that you have been diagnosed with ADHD and, if it is appropriate you should be treated with medication.
There are a few doctors are not willing to recommend you for an assessment or will not prescribe ADHD medication on the NHS In this case, it's best to find an alternative GP who may be more accommodating. The website of Psychiatry UK offers some helpful tips on this subject.
In England it is your legal right to choose the place that you receive an ADHD evaluation, provided that the services you receive are provided by the NHS and the price of the service is not more than the amount you would pay for it if you were to go directly to the NHS. If you are unable achieve progress with your local CCG, you can ask ICAS to assist you in submitting an appeal to the national Appeal Panel. If you reside in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales and Northern Ireland, then the NHS has different rules and guidelines. You can get access to services through Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK offers some suggestions regarding this.
2. Ask for a referral
There are two ways to obtain an ADHD assessment, based on the area you live in. First, you can take advantage of the NHS by asking your GP to refer you. This could be a long procedure and you could have to wait for years to receive an answer. Alternatively, you can use the 'Right to choose route. This is a brand new legal right that allows if you feel that the NHS wait times for an ADHD assessment are too long, then you can request to be directed to a private service through this route.
If you choose to sign this agreement the GP will have to agree and sign a "shared care agreement" with the service provider you've chosen. However, a majority of doctors are not keen on signing shared care agreements with patients that have been diagnosed privately, especially because they aren't experts in the diagnosis of ADHD and the prescription of the medication.
In most instances, you will be able to book an appointment with the private provider of your choice. The ADHD specialist will conduct an interview and questionnaires with your child and you (if over the age of 11) before completing an initial assessment. The doctor will let you know whether they believe your symptoms are caused by ADHD or not.
If it is found that ADHD could be the cause of your problem, you will usually be sent home with additional questionnaires for your workplace or school. They will then schedule a follow up appointment to discuss the findings and discuss your diagnosis. This appointment is a chance to discuss medication options. If it is determined that medication is necessary then your GP will then be informed and asked to prescribe the medication to you. Any other recommendations relating to support at school or work will be discussed with your specialist and any charges are discussed prior to starting. Most private providers will also provide advice and assistance for free between appointments, either via emails or short phone calls.
3. Get an evaluation
The process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis in the UK is not easy, and often it's mistakenly interpreted as other mental health disorders. The most effective method to identify ADHD is to have an assessment done by a psychiatrist who has expertise in the field.
You might have to wait for an assessment to be conducted by the NHS. Consult your GP to discuss the waiting time. Right to Choose is an innovative NHS initiative that allows you the choice of the organisation to whom you are referred. This allows you to bypass the NHS waiting list and can make the process much faster.
When you go for your ADHD assessment the psychiatrist will collect an extensive description of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The psychiatrist will then conduct a formal clinical evaluation with regularized questions. Before your appointment, it may be beneficial to write down examples and familiarise yourself the symptoms (traits) of ADHD. It's normal for people to forget about their experiences when they discuss them.
The test will also consist of physical examinations and interviews with relatives as well as teachers and colleagues. It's important to ensure that the data gathered is as accurate and complete as possible, so the psychiatrist can give you the most accurate diagnosis.
If a psychiatrist believes that you or your child has ADHD or other disorders, they will recommend a thorough diagnostic evaluation at a specially-commissioned adult ADHD service. This is a follow-up appointment and may involve a variety of tests, including psychological tests and brain imaging, which will aid in determining the severity of the disorder.
Some people prefer to go private to get their ADHD evaluated. This is becoming more common as the NHS waiting lists continue to increase. There are different organisations in the UK that provide private assessments of ADHD based on the area you reside. You can search for a list here or speak to your GP to determine which one is best for you. Private exams can be more efficient than those conducted through the NHS. However your health insurance will not cover the cost.
4. Get a diagnosis
ADHD can cause significant problems in a variety of areas, for example relationships or work, so an accurate diagnosis can aid in addressing these issues. Unfortunately, are adhd assessments covered by insurance to the increasing number of people requiring ADHD assessments, NHS services are struggling to keep up with demand and wait for appointments can be lengthy. Some people choose to pay privately for their assessment. This lets them skip NHS waiting lists and start treatment earlier.
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is to put an effective treatment plan. This could be medication, or CBT therapy. It is important to think about this before you get your assessment, since it will help you decide what the best course of action for you will be.
Depending on where you live in the UK, you may be able access an ADHD assessment via the NHS. If this is the situation, you will be taken to a paediatrician, or psychiatrist who will evaluate your symptoms, and make a diagnosis based upon the NICE 87 guidelines.
If you do not get an appointment from your GP or GP, you can self-refer to an ADHD assessment with a private mental health provider. why are adhd assessments so expensive is typically more efficient than the NHS option, however you should ensure whether your doctor has signed the "Shared Care Agreement" with your private doctor.
Your specialist will ask questions about your past and present behaviors. They will look for traits (symptoms) of ADHD, such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsiveness. They will also inquire about the way these traits impact your daily life. Before going to an appointment, it's beneficial to be familiar with the criteria used to diagnose ADHD and to record examples of how these traits have affected your life.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter your life. It can lead to many treatments and offer a greater sense of self-understanding for adults who were previously not diagnosed. It can also lead to better relationships and a more fulfilled life.